The 1,500 guests who arrived at the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills on a balmy mid-October evening had to pass a squadron of armed guards, go through a metal detector, and have their IDs checked before taking their seats inside the Saban Theater. The security was a fitting prelude to what they were about to see on the screen, the American premiere of , an Israeli-made documentary about the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel that ignited the current Middle East conflict. The one-hour, made-for-TV Hebrew language film follows the story of a 53-year-old farmer and lawyer — his name is pronounced O-zehz — who put his own life on the line to save some 120 young Israelis who scrambled for safety as hundreds of Hamas terrorists shot, raped, tortured, killed and took hostage anyone in their gun sits at what had been a peaceful music festival. Driving an Israeli government issued Mitsubishi 4×4 truck (equipped with front and rear automatic cameras) assigned to him for his role as liaison to the Bedouin community, Davidian carried a single handgun and one clip of ammo for protection as he navigated back roads he once used for herding sheep. He made about 15 trips that long day to rescue terrified concertgoers and return them to their anxiously waiting families, with terrorist bullets often whizzing by his truck. Many in the Saban theater were visibly moved by the film, which re-traced Davidian’s actions on that fateful, terrible day and includes actual footage from his truck cams. “It was an amazing story,” said one audience member. “Especially where he had to go through and see all these people that were dead. What he did took a lot of courage.” And yet, despite the film’s universally positive reception — and its heroic, inspirational message — it’s unlikely this documentary by Israeli TV station Reshet 13 and others will ever be screened in America again, let alone broadcast or streamed on American television. “There are people who’ve got balls and there are people who ain’t got balls,” observes veteran producer Bill Mechanic of the current political climate in Hollywood, particularly when it comes to material touching on the Middle East. “So, the people afraid of their shadows, who live to protect their jobs, are not going to want to take a chance.” Those fears cast a wide shadow right now — and you can’t entirely blame the town for treading carefully around this subject matter. In many ways, it has become a third rail in the entertainment industry, a radioactive topic that has already burned a number of folks who have bravely – or foolishly – broached it. After it was learned in September that Hamas had killed six Israeli hostages, WME Agent Brandt Joel furiously wrote on a pro-Israel WhatsApp group, “Screw the left kill all.” Brandt quickly deleted the post and explained to his colleagues in a Zoom call he only meant “kill” members of Hamas, but the damage had been done: one of his top clients, Mahershala Ali, abruptly fired him. On the other side of the political divide, actress Susan Sarandon, who has a long history of activism, was dropped by her talent agency after she declared at an anti-Israel rally that Jews facing increased anti-Semitism are “getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim” in America. Polarized views on the subject have even made older content, released before the Hamas attack and Israel’s Gaza offensive, newly controversial. The Netflix series , for instance, which earned praise for its strong storytelling when it premiered in 2016, has faced criticism in its fourth season, which began in 2023, for glorifying the occupation of Palestinian lands. , a 2016 documentary delving into how the Israeli government supposedly uses its influence to shape American media, has drawn recent fire from both sides, with Jewish critics calling it anti-Semitic and Arabs claiming it distorts their cause. Likewise, the 2018 Egyptian spy thriller , set during the Six Day War in 1967, has been blasted by both sides for its portrayals. In such a cautious climate, it’s difficult to image how a new documentary like could possibly find a home in Hollywood. “We’re in a topsy-turvy world,” says Garth Ancier, a TV executive who has worked at NBC and Fox and headed BBC America. Ancier says he has both Jewish and Arab friends and what they have in common is that both are very narrow in their view, only seeing one side. “I try to talk them off that ledge,” he says. “But it’s hard. And it is getting harder because of the way it’s going down over there.” To be fair, has other issues apart from politics that make it a tough sell in Hollywood. For one thing, it’s a Hebrew language doc. For another, it’s extremely violent. “Obviously the content in this video is graphic,” says streaming media consultant Dan Rayburn. “So, you’re going to see more pushback from these streaming services. You’re showing dead bodies on the ground. That’s not really something they want on their platform. Even , which does some great stories like that, you’ll notice they’re not showing anything that graphic.” “And what about rating it, right?” he adds. “Is this NC 17? That gets very tricky when you’re talking about war and showing real life dead people on the street.” ’s producers are obviously aware of the uphill battle they face to get their documentary on screens in the U.S. But they’re currently working on assembling an “ ” version that they hope will stand a better chance. “We may change the narration to English or insert some new images so we might make a bigger impression in terms of selling it,” says Yossi Eli, an Israeli war correspondent who made without compensation. Eli says they are also considering a feature film, which may eventually be a “stand alone drama different from the documentary.” Efforts are also underway to submit for awards and festivals, led by L.A. filmmakers Dan and Zahara Israely, who produced , now airing on Amazon. Davidian, meanwhile, has returned to living his low-profile life with his wife and four daughters. He agreed to cooperate with this documentary at the urging of many of those he rescued, who he has kept in touch with. Several are quoted in the documentary expressing their thanks and calling him a hero. He also made a rare public appearance on Oct. 30 at a new awards ceremony held in the residence of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog. Davidian was among those who received the state’s highest civilian award for extraordinary heroism. Many of the honors were presented posthumously. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood ReporterTweet Facebook Mail New Year's Eve is less than a day away, and millions of Australians are set to mark the occasion at celebrations and get-togethers around the country. The capital cities in particular are set to be hotbeds of activity, with locals and tourists coming together for the country's major events. With so much on, it can be tricky to figure out how to plan your day, and find out what's on near you. READ MORE: Millions set to be hit by scorching conditions on New Year's Eve Sydney's NYE fireworks display. (Getty) Here's what you need to know. Sydney The Sydney celebrations are likely the biggest in the country, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Superstar Robbie Williams will also take part in a live singalong. Major road closures will be in place throughout the city, and thousands of extra public transport services will be running along the train, light rail, bus, metro and ferry lines. The Sydney Metro line will be open this New Year's Eve. (Nine) Circular Quay, where the main celebrations are centred, will have its train station closed from 3pm. Plan your trip online here . READ MORE: NYE crime crackdown warning as police take to the streets Melbourne Free-to-enter Celebration Zones in the city offer the best vantage points to see Melbourne's firework displays. People can bring their own picnic - but no alcohol - or buy from on-site food trucks. The zones will be open from 6pm. New Year's Eve at the St Kilda sea baths last year in Melbourne. (Joe Armao) Public transport throughout Melbourne will be free from that same time, though some tram services will be altered due to road closures. Flinders Street Station will be open all night. Find out everything that's happening in Melbourne here . READ MORE: The NYE celebration that could land you in jail Brisbane The Queensland capital's South Bank Parklands will again host the city's fireworks displays, with two shows at 7.45pm and midnight. The site will be alcohol-free, with road closures in place, so using public transport is recommended. There will also be fireworks displays on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Find out more here . Revellers at South Bank in Brisbane. (Fairfax Media) Adelaide The Riverbank in Elder Park is where the fine people of Adelaide can congregate for the city's official celebrations and fireworks. Live music and other entertainment will also feature. The gates open at 5.30pm, and entry will be restricted once the site is at capacity - but there are plenty of other parties around the city. Find out more here . Perth The Western Australia capital is holding its first ever midnight fireworks show at the Roy Hill New Year's Eve celebrations. An earlier display will be held over the Swan River at the more family-friendly time of 8.30pm. Road closures will be in place around Elizabeth Quay and Barrack Square, but there will be parking available nearby. Plan your night here . Sun, celebration, sadness: Christmas in Australia and around the world View Gallery Hobart The Regatta Grounds will become a dedicated family-friendly picnic area, with free parking open from 9am. There will be a free shuttle bus running between the grounds and the waterfront. Fireworks from barges on the Derwent River will light up the skies at 9.30pm and midnight. See what's on here . Darwin Darwin has lined up a stack of local musicians to ring in the new year, along with fireworks at 9pm and midnight. Centred on the Darwin Waterfront, free parking is available at multiple locations, but would-be revellers are advised to plan their trip in, in case they have to find alternate parking. The event is alcohol- and smoke-free. Find out more here . Canberra A free community event at Lake Burley Griffin sees Canberrans invited to watch the fireworks in the national capital at 9pm and midnight. Lake Burley Griffin will be the centre of Canberra's festivities. (Getty) There will be four "celebration hubs" that provide the best viewing, as well as food and drink options. The hubs are at Rond Terrace, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre in Regatta Point, and near Nerang Pool in Regatta Point. See what's happening here . DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .
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Vodafone Idea shares: 2 reasons why this telecom stock is in news todayMy dear 2024, Letter writing may be a lost art in this digital age, yet there are moments when the weight of reflection demands the intimacy of a letter. So, dear 2024, consider this a heartfelt note from a Nigerian seeking to encapsulate the whirlwind of emotions, events, and transformations that have unfolded over the past twelve months. As I pen down these words, I do so with the awareness that you are not an ordinary year. Your arrival brought hope, but as the days rolled, that hope was replaced with hardship, struggle, perseverance and lessons. In this letter, as tricky as it may be, I will attempt to recount the key events that shaped you – the milestones that defined not only my life but the collective experience of a nation grappling with economic hardship, political uncertainty, and social upheaval. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and you will be remembered as a year that tested our spirit and resolve. This is not just a recollection of facts but a narrative of survival in a land where, at times, the future seemed uncertain. You were, indeed harsh, but we, the Nigerian people, have shown remarkable resilience and perseverance. Despite the economic hardships you brought, with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs affecting all, we have stood strong. Your visitation of economic hardships worsened by 34-40% inflation rate and supply chain disruptions, an embarrassing unemployment rate of 40%, and rising living costs affected both the high and the low. Almost all households felt your pinch. Nigeria’s food inflation rate rose to close to 40% by mid-year, pushing millions into poverty. National Bureau of Statistics reports indicated that over 71 million Nigerians faced food insecurity by the third quarter. The exchange rate rose by over 60%. Yet, amid these challenges, the Nigerian people showed remarkable resilience and perseverance. To put it into context, essential commodities such as rice, maize, and garri doubled in price within months. The petrol price fluctuated between N700 to N1200 per litre, severely impacting transportation and logistics. Even sachet water, popularly called ‘pure water’, became a luxury for many, reflecting the depth of economic strain. You made our economic thinkers and planners look clueless. Thank God we, the people, showed understanding with them. You brought needless political contentions –the Rivers crisis, contentious elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Kano Emir drama, the Old-New-Old national anthem, and “Endbadgovernance”demonstra tions. An attempt to reform our tax system highlighted our stubborn ethnic fault lines. You were not short of drama, both relevant and irrelevant. The reinstatement of the old national anthem left citizens divided, as critics viewed it as distracting from pressing governance issues. However, amid these contentions, the Nigerian people stood united, showing remarkable solidarity. Despite the divisive nature of some of these events, we have remained a united front. Poverty and hunger became our companions, resulting in three deadly stampedes during palliative distributions in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving no fewer than 60 people dead. Unemployment among the youth reached over 45%, with many university graduates resorting to menial jobs or leaving the country in search of greener pastures, contributing to the ongoing ‘Japa’ wave. At the global scene, you delivered historic elections and global unrest. People in more than 60 countries—representing almost 50 per cent of the world’s population—went to the polls during the year. Voters in Mexico and the United Kingdom picked new leaders, while a former U.S. president was invited by voters back to the White House. In Nigeria, voter turnout in local elections dipped to a record low of 28%, reflecting growing disillusionment with governance. This disinterest was amplified by widespread insecurity, with over 1,500 reported cases of abduction and banditry disrupting daily life. Villages in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno faced relentless attacks, forcing thousands into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. “Lakurawa” gained a strong foothold in parts of North-West states. Some strange things happened that we did not foresee. Greece extended adoption rights to same-sex couples, and Thailand legalised same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. You gave LGBTQ+ rights activists something to celebrate. This felt strange in this part of the world, where same-sex relations remain criminalised, and social acceptance lags far behind. In Nigeria, lawmakers intensified efforts to uphold conservative values, with proposed bills aimed at further restricting LGBTQ+ rights. The disparity in cultural values highlighted the widening gap between regions of the world, reflecting the complex layers of societal evolution. You saw the world in turmoil, and the Russian vs Ukraine war continued unabated. This war brought about lots of military posturing, leading some to fear nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO. The conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Iran ramped up to greater heights. The Middle East is in commotion, with the war extending to Lebanon and Israel vowing not to stop until it wipes Hamas and Hezbollah out. Iran has shown its willingness to confront Israel, framing itself as the watchdog of the Middle East against Israel’s aggression. You also witnessed the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, raising fears of extremist groups seizing power. Reports from the UN suggested that over 300,000 Syrian refugees fled to neighbouring countries by year-end, adding to the growing refugee crisis. But amid it all, you allowed some of my compatriots to think and look at things differently, to learn that hard work does not kill and bad governance is for a season. Despite the odds, small businesses grew by 7% in sectors like agriculture and technology, offering a glimmer of hope. Despite the increase in tariffs and persistent collapse of the national grid, there has been a marginal improvement in power output in homes and factories. The healthcare sector witnessed significant transformation in the past few months of 2024 because of incisive, superlative reforms and programmes. So far, 53,000 health workers have been re-trained—an impressive number—to deliver integrated, high-quality services. The Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, which offers free caesarean sections to all eligible Nigerian women meeting the criteria, and the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment Report were launched. These initiatives represent a step forward in our healthcare system, offering hope for the future. Your successor, 2025, is shaping up to be quite the mixed bag — it’s like the year is expecting a baby, but no one knows if it’ll be a bundle of joy or a handful of trouble. Nigeria is trying really hard to stop putting all its eggs in the oil basket. There’s a lot of noise about agriculture, tech, and manufacturing stepping up. With this African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) getting more action, we might see Nigeria flexing as West Africa’s trade big brother. But let’s be honest — oil and gas aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Dangote Refinery finally kicking into gear might help us cut down on those expensive imported petroleum products. If it plays out right, that could mean fewer trade deficits and more jobs, which we desperately need. But you know how it is with oil — prices are like Lagos traffic, unpredictable and everywhere. Plus, the world’s moving towards greener energy, so we’ve got to figure out how to keep the money flowing long-term. Now, on the money front, I won’t sugarcoat it. Inflation and the exchange rate will probably keep dancing around, and not in a fun way. The Central Bank will try to keep things under control, but they’ll need serious foreign investment and more non-oil exports to make it work. The tech space is looking exciting, though. With all these young, sharp minds and everyone glued to their phones, Lagos and Abuja are becoming mini–Silicon Valley — fintech, ecommerce, aggrotech, you name it. Politically, Nigerians are still out here demanding real change. Anti-corruption will stay a hot topic — we’re all tired of the same old stories. There’s also this growing pressure for electoral reforms and better public services. Civil society is getting louder, and I’m here for it. But security? Whew. That’s going to be a big one. Between insurgency in the Northeast, banditry up North, and secessionist noise in the Southeast, the government has its hands full. It will take more than military action — they must dig into why these issues keep popping up. On top of that, some states are pushing harder for more control over their resources and policies. The whole decentralisation and restructuring debate might heat up. Meanwhile, you can bet politicians are already gearing up for 2027. Alliances will shift — it’s like watching chess, but with higher stakes. Look, Nigeria has its share of problems—inequality, environmental issues, governance struggles. But the potential? It’s huge. We’ve got the people and the energy, and if we can channel it right, the sky’s the limit. Here’s hoping 2025 is more of a blessing than a headache. As I look ahead to 2025, I do so with cautious optimism. While the road ahead remains uncertain, I am reminded that even in the darkest of times, resilience shines through. So, to everything we have passed through, thank you, 2024, for setting us free. 2025, if you’re reading, please be more liberal to us as a nation and as a people. May our leaders listen more and apply more wisdom. May 2025 usher in real hope, stability, and progress for Nigeria and the world. Wishing Nigerians a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year.New Graphics Titans Incoming! Nvidia’s Next-Gen Reveal at CES
Japanese auto giants Honda Motor and Nissan Motor will start negotiations to merge as they face growing competition from bigger global electric vehicle makers, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Tuesday. The carmakers have increased ties in recent months as they wrestle with the changing EV landscape. Heavy competition from Tesla and local rivals in China, a nation rapidly adopting EVs, and stalling demand in Europe and the U.S. have intensified the pressure traditional automakers face. Honda and Nissan on Tuesday issued identical statements saying no merger had been announced by either company. Reuters has not independently verified the report. “As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths,” the companies said in separate statements, adding they will inform stakeholders of any updates at an appropriate time. In addition, French automaker Renault, a major Nissan shareholder, said it has no information on the matter and declined to comment. Over the past year, an EV price war launched by Tesla and Chinese automaker BYD has only intensified pressure on any companies losing money on the next-generation vehicles. That has put pressure on companies like Honda and Nissan to seek ways to cut costs and speed vehicle development, and mergers are a major step in that direction. Honda’s market capitalization is 5.95 trillion yen ($38.8 billion), while Nissan’s is 1.17 trillion yen ($7.6 billion). Any deal would be the biggest in the industry since the $52 billion merger between Fiat Chrysler and PSA in 2021 to create Stellantis. Honda’s U.S.-listed shares were up 1.3% in afternoon trading. Nissan and Honda, Japan’s third- and second-biggest automakers, respectively, after Toyota, have been losing market share in China. That nation accounted for almost 70% of global EV sales in November, with more than 1.27 million in purchases for the month. The two had combined global sales of 7.4 million vehicles in 2023, but are grappling with challenges from EV makers, particularly in China, where BYD and others have surged ahead. Global automakers General Motors and Ford have slowed investments in EVs as high borrowing costs and poor charging infrastructure hinder their adoption despite government incentives. In September, GM said it was in talks with South Korea’s Hyundai Motor to explore ways to collaborate in a move to cut costs, including on joint vehicle development. Europe’s car sector is in turmoil, with thousands of jobs on the line as automakers suffer from a weakening market, high costs, a slower-than-expected takeup of EVs and increasing competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen has threatened to close plants in Germany for the first time in its 87-year history, cut jobs and slash wages to reduce costs and boost profit. Last week, Europe’s top carmaker said it will close its Audi plant in Brussels next year. In Europe, Volkswagen is locked in acrimonious talks with its union over cost cuts as it struggles with falling demand and rising costs. The global auto industry is also bracing for a potential rollback of EV-friendly policies by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Reuters has reported. Any merger would face significant U.S. scrutiny and Trump has vowed to take a hard line on imported vehicles – including threatening 25% tariffs on vehicles shipped from Canada and Mexico – and he could seek concessions from Honda and Nissan to approve any deal, auto industry officials said. During his first term, Trump threatened tariffs on Japanese vehicles. Honda and Nissan in March agreed to cooperate in their EV businesses, and in August deepened their ties, agreeing to work together on batteries, e-axles and other technology. The automakers are looking to operate under a single holding company and are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding soon for the new merged entity, the Nikkei reported. Honda and Nissan are also looking to bring in Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan is the top shareholder with a 24% stake, under the holding company, to create one of the world’s largest auto groups, the report said. Mitsubishi officials did not have an immediate comment. The stakes of Honda and Nissan in the new entity, along with other details are to be decided later, Nikkei said. Nissan has been reeling from weak demand in China and the U.S., prompting the Japanese automaker to take cost-saving measures such as corporate rejigs. Last month, the company said its half-year net earnings were down more than 90% from a year ago and cut its annual operating profit forecast by about 70%. Nissan had been at the forefront of EVs in the 2010s with the Leaf model, but has been overtaken this decade by newcomers and pure players. ($1 = 153.2800 yen)U.K.-based Rezolve AI Limited’s ($RZLV) stock was soaring more than 18 times its average volume on Tuesday, attracting retail attention. The stock opened Tuesday’s session at $2.17, up from the previous session’s close of $2.13, and moved steadily higher. It has so far traded in a $2.17 to $4.00 range. Tuesday’s rally came amid a lack of any meaningful catalyst. Rezolve offers a retail and engagement technology solution that acts as an instant tool for mobile devices. Last Thursday, the company said it is actively participating in initiatives to align with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) set up by the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump. The company said its solutions are well-positioned to support DOGE’s goals. Its tools streamline operations for retailers and optimize staffing by automating routine tasks, allowing human resources to focus on higher-value responsibilities. Rezolve AI is also striving to participate in the crypto rally by integrating the Tether Wallet Development Kit into its Brain Checkout platform, which will allow cryptocurrency transactions for everyday purchases. In late November, the company announced strategic reseller partnerships with Microsoft Corp. ($MSFT) and Alphabet, Inc.’s ($GOOGL) ($GOOG) Google for its conversational AI solutions. These tech giants have committed to promoting the company’s AI technologies through their sales channels. Rezolve AI went public through the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) route by merging with the blank-cheque company Armada Acquisition. Its shares were listed on the Nasdaq on Aug. 16. Sentiment toward Rezolve AI stock turned ‘ extremely bullish’ (81/100) on Stocktwits, improving from the ‘neutral’ mood seen a day ago. The sharp spike in the stock set off retail chatter, which grew to ‘high’ levels. A Stocktwits platform user said they will hold the stock eyeing a break above $8 level, citing a slew of catalysts. A message by another user suggests the stock was likely being pumped up. At last check, Rezolve AI stock was up 72.30% at $3.67, while it has plunged about 80% since its mid-August listing. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.<
By Funto Omojola, NerdWallet Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a “state of credit card report” for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. OK, but let’s start with bonus rewards From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it’s not just about the rewards. Instant credit access Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. Convenience and safety As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Related Articles Business | Event promoters, hotels and lodging sites soon will have to disclose extra fees up front Business | Should you donate your points and miles to charity? Business | Skip the holiday debt by planning before you spend Business | 5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement — and 5 things to do if you need to catch up, according to experts Business | The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don’t use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders’ status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted “token” that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn’t require you to have your physical cards present, there’s less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com. The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet .
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Xavier Bell had 29 points in Wichita State's 87-72 victory over Friends University on Sunday. Bell shot 11 of 16 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Shockers (10-3). Quincy Ballard added 17 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Corey Washington totaled 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Collin Maclin finished with 18 points for the Falcons. Cahlese Lee added 11 points and two steals. Randy Woolf Jr. recorded 10 points, five assists and two steals. Wichita State took the lead with 8:30 left in the first half and never looked back. Bell led his team in scoring with 21 points in the first half to help put them up 45-36 at the break. Wichita State pulled away with a 12-1 run in the second half to extend a nine-point lead to 20. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Intel Unusual Options Activity
Parkinson’s community ‘felt left out in the cold’ – Rory Cellan-JonesCreative Group Spotlights Event Industry's 2025 Megatrends in Skift Meetings ReportOXFORD — After nearly half a year without a town manager and a controversial hire that never actually made it into the Oxford Town Office, the Commissioners of Oxford have found a new town manager. Holly Wahl, currently the Chesapeake Beach Town Administrator, will begin the role on Jan. 6 During a Commissioners of Oxford meeting Tuesday, Commissioner Katrina Greer read the news to residents. The commissioners also announced at the meeting that the town’s Clerk-Treasurer Vickie Sharp will be staying in her position and will not leave the town for other employment at the end of the year, which Sharp had told the Star Democrat in late November. “I think we all want to thank Vickie for the work she did in the last month and a half with nobody in the office to talk to except herself,” Commission President Norm Bell said. Residents in the audience of the meeting clapped upon hearing the news, and at the end of the meeting, one resident reacted to the news and the tone of the meeting by saying it felt like the best Christmas present. According to a news release from Oxford, Wahl has served Chesapeake Beach as its town administrator for the last eight years. In that time, she helped reduce town taxes more than 17% while increasing services to citizens and businesses, reduce liabilities by $9.44 million, increase the town’s net position by over $21 million and improve the town’s fund balance by over $15 million, the news release said. Wahl attributes those improvements in Chesapeake Beach to fiscal accountability, the acquisition of grant funding, the implementation of organizational changes, the application of technology and the alignment of staff with mission-critical activities to eliminate inefficiency, according to the news release. During the meeting, Greer said the commissioners are “delighted” that Wahl will be joining the town. “I mean, we think this woman is going to knock it out of the park,” she said. In the news release, the commissioners said they think Wahl’s experience in procurement and in managing larger projects will bring the town “cost savings with better management.” “Ms. Wahl has experience applying for and managing grant monies, coordinating with state and local agencies and has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on major waterways projects such as the $3 million federal dredging of Fishing Creek Channel,” the release said. Along with town management, Wahl’s experience includes operations director roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors. According to the news release, Wahl holds business administration degrees from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. Wahl is currently finalizing her dissertation to obtain a doctorate in public administration and public policy from George Washington University. At the meeting on Tuesday, Bell acknowledged the months-long search it took to find a new town manager. “It was a learning experience,” he said. “And I think we wound up with a very good pick.” In late June, Michael Calvert — a former city administrator in Liberty, South Carolina — was hired to fill the role of town manager, which former Town Manager Cheryl Lewis was retiring from. But just three days after the commissioners announced the hire, they announced that the town and Calvert had “mutually agreed to part ways.” The commission did not comment on why the decision was made. Former Liberty City Council Member Peggy Edwards said she resigned from the council due to issues with Calvert and the city’s mayor. She said that when Calvert was in the position, there was a lack of transparency and mismanagement of money. The situation led to the commissioners choosing a search firm to assist in the search for the next town manager, which led to Wahl’s hiring.
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: The folly of councils' seaside shirkers By DAILY MAIL COMMENT Published: 01:00, 30 December 2024 | Updated: 01:15, 30 December 2024 e-mail View comments ‘Opportunity is missed by most people,’ goes a phrase attributed to Thomas Edison, ‘because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work’. His attitude towards diligence should provide a mantra for every serious worker, but in the topsy-turvy world of local government a very different set of priorities is allowed to prevail. As we disclose today, council workers have been permitted to ‘work from the beach’ more than 2,000 times since the pandemic. The number of employees granted permission to log on via their laptops from abroad is soaring each year. In one astonishing example, an employee was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza for almost four years. How can the taxpayer benefit when workers are so out-of-synch with colleagues and devoid of proper managerial supervision? In some cases, council staff were given permission to clock in from distant time zones – Australia, New Zealand and so on – meaning they were likely to never be at work at the same time as their colleagues. It risks embedding delay into every piece of work they were asked to complete. A woman working on a beach (stock). As we disclose today, council workers have been permitted to ‘work from the beach’ more than 2,000 times since the pandemic. The number of employees granted permission to log on via their laptops from abroad is soaring each year ‘Opportunity is missed by most people,’ goes a phrase attributed to Thomas Edison (pictured), ‘because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work’. His attitude towards diligence should provide a mantra for every serious worker A beach in Sydney. In some cases, council staff were given permission to clock in from distant time zones – Australia, New Zealand and so on – meaning they were likely to never be at work at the same time as their colleagues No wonder local authorities are so often accused of being unresponsive and wasteful, especially as it emerged last week that nearly a quarter of council tax revenues are now being splurged on staff pensions. Read More EXCLUSIVE REVEALED - How councils let staff work from the BEACH! Remarkably, some town halls acknowledged they have formal policies offering employees the chance to work from abroad for a set period of time. It is just one more example of the growing gulf being cultivated in Sir Keir Starmer’s Britain. On one side are the cosseted public sector workers, to whom Labour is in hock, and on the other are private sector employees and entrepreneurs who have been called upon to shoulder the bills for our increasingly bloated state. Labour, predictably, has refused to condemn the rising number of seaside shirkers. Another reminder, if one were needed, that this Government works for its trade union paymasters – and not for you. A taxing year ahead Until now, the true scale of Labour’s tax-and-spend mentality has been a bleak, looming but largely theoretical concept. This week, the Government’s first all-out attack on aspiration comes into force with a vengeance as VAT is imposed on private school fees. As if a tax on education was not enough, a raft of further punitive rises will follow in the coming weeks and months. These will include Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ imposition of a heavier National Insurance burden on employers, which is likely to manifest itself in the form of falling headcounts and smaller pay rises. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has had the brass neck to claim middle-class parents actually support Labour’s tax on private education Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ imposition of a heavier National Insurance burden on employers is likely to manifest itself in the form of falling headcounts and smaller pay rises Still in denial about the full effect of her vindictive policies, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has had the brass neck to claim middle-class parents actually support Labour’s tax on private education. Some of those who dared to criticise the policy were guilty of ‘nothing short of scaremongering’, she crowed. Do Ms Reeves and Ms Phillipson believe the public will still be offering them thanks when pay levels stagnate? Or when job opportunities narrow? Or when the grocery bill increases again due to the Government’s net zero food packaging levy? Those who voted for all this will have a series of bitter pills to swallow in the coming year. But they will be unable to claim ignorance of one timeless, inescapable truth – a vote for Labour means fewer pounds in your pocket. Share or comment on this article: DAILY MAIL COMMENT: The folly of councils' seaside shirkers e-mail Add comment
Holiday stress can lead Alzheimer’s patients and those with dementia to go missing
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) will inspect Newport homes and businesses this week. The visits are part of a safety inspection programme to check service termination points, also known as cut-outs, are working properly. These points are where the main incoming electricity service cable and fuse are located, usually near the electricity meter. The inspections will be visual only, with no disassembly or power supply interruptions. NGED plans to carry out 400,000 such inspections annually across South Wales, the Midlands, and the South West over the next 20 years. Richard Brady, NGED’s policy engineer heading the inspection programme, said: "The UK is recognised internationally as having one of the most resilient and safe energy systems and this inspection programme underlines our commitment to the highest safety standards. "Inspectors will visually examine cut-outs to check they are working as they should, taking photos and notes for our records. "In the unlikely event of a defective cut-out being found, NGED engineers will be sent to carry out repairs at no cost to the customer." The visits will also help confirm what types of low-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicle chargers and solar panels, are connected to the network. This information will aid future planning for load growth on the network. Mr Brady added: "These are important safety visits but we understand they could be inconvenient for customers and apologise in advance if this is the case." The inspectors, from a company called Calisen, will be clearly identifiable as working for NGED and will have ID and authorisation to enter properties.Sean Zam named Head of Sales and Marketing at GC Biopharma USA
Holy Cross secures 82-46 victory over Regis (MA)OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (AP) — A new study has found that systemic barriers to voting on tribal lands contribute to substantial disparities in Native American turnout, particularly for presidential elections. The study, released Tuesday by the Brennan Center for Justice, looked at 21 states with federally recognized tribal lands that have a population of at least 5,000 and where more than 20% of residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Native. Researchers found that between 2012 and 2022, voter participation in federal elections was 7 percentage points lower in midterms and 15 percentage points lower in presidential elections than among those living off tribal lands in the same states. Earlier studies show voter turnout for communities of color is higher in areas where their ethnic group is the majority, but the latest research found that turnout was the lowest on tribal lands that have a high concentration of Native Americans, the Brennan Center said. “There’s something more intensely happening in Native American communities on tribal land,” said Chelsea Jones, a researcher on the study. Jones said the study suggests some barriers may be insurmountable in predominately Native communities due to a lack of adequate polling places or access to early and mail-in ballots. Many residents on tribal lands have nontraditional addresses, meaning they don't have street names or house numbers, making mail-in voting even more difficult. As a result, many Native American voters rely on P.O. boxes, but the study notes that several jurisdictions will not mail ballots to P.O. boxes. Long distances to the polls that do exist on tribal lands and little to no public transportation creates additional hurdles for Native American voters. “When you think about people who live on tribal lands having to go 30, 60, 100 miles (up to 160 kilometers) to cast a ballot, that is an extremely limiting predicament to be in," Jones said. "These are really, truly severe barriers.” Additionally, Jones said they found Native American voters were denied the ability to vote using their tribal IDs in several places, including in states where that is legally allowed. All of these roadblocks to the ballot can create a sense of distrust in the system, which could contribute to lower turnout, Jones said. The Brennan Center study also highlights on ongoing issue when it comes to understanding how or why Native Americans vote: a lack of good data. “There are immense data inequities when it comes to studying Native American communities, especially as it pertains to politics," Jones said. Native American communities are often overlooked when it comes to polling data and sometimes when they are included those studies do not reflect broader trends for Indigenous voters, said Stephanie Fryberg, the director of the Research for Indigenous Social Action & Equity Center, which studies systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous people. “Generally speaking, polling is not well positioned to do a good job for Indian Country,” said Fryberg, who is also a professor of psychology at Northwestern University. “There are ideas that are held up as the gold standard about how polling works that don’t work for Indian Country because of where we live, because of how difficult it is to connect to people in our community.” Fryberg, a member of the Tulalip Tribe in Washington State, was one of several Indigenous researchers who denounced a recent exit poll conducted by Edison Research that found 65% of Native American voters who participated said they voted for Donald Trump. The poll only surveyed 229 self-identified Native Americans, a sample size that she said is too small for an accurate reading, and none of the jurisdictions in the poll were on tribal lands. “Right there, you’re already eliminating a powerful perspective,” Fryberg said. The Indigenous Journalists Association labelled that polling data as “highly misleading and irresponsible,” saying it has led “to widespread misinformation.” In a statement to the Associated Press, Edison Research acknowledged that the polling size is small, but said the "goal of the survey is to represent the national electorate and to have enough data to also examine large demographic and geographic subgroups." The survey has a potential sampling margin of error of plus or minus 9%, according to the statement. “Based on all of these factors, this data point from our survey should not be taken as a definitive word on the American Indian vote,” the statement reads. Native Americans are not just part of an ethnic group, they also have political identities that come with being citizens of sovereign nations. Fryberg said allowing those surveyed to self-identify as Native Americans, without follow-up questions about tribal membership and specific Indigenous populations, means that data cannot accurately capture voting trends for those communities. Both Fryberg and Jones said that in order to create better data on and opportunities for Native Americans to vote, researchers and lawmakers would have to meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities. Jones said passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act, a bill that has stalled in Congress, would ensure equitable in-person voting options in every precinct on tribal lands. “This is not an issue that we see across the country,” Jones said. “It’s very specific to tribal lands. So we need provisions that address that uniquely.” Graham Lee Brewer is an Oklahoma City-based member of the AP's Race and Ethnicity team.
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